The veteran Bollywood actor has been in hospital since July 21 and was operated on for gallstones this morning

Born on July 24, 1937 in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan) as Harikishan Giri Goswami, Bollywood’s fave actor-director Manoj Kumar turns 76 today. But there will be no real celebration right now – the veteran has been in hospital since July 21 and underwent gall bladder surgery today. He was admitted to the Kokilaben Hospital in the Mumbai.

Kumar was part of several romantic films but his patriotic flavour is what he became known, earning him the moniker ‘Bharat’ Kumar.

A list of of his popular films would include Shaheed, Woh Kaun Thi?, Gumnaam, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, Upkar, Aadmi, Kranti, Hariyali Aur Raasta, Himalay Ki God Mein, Do Badan, Patthar Ke Sanam and Purab Aur Paschim. The veteran was honoured with the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1992.

The actor is recuperating well and is likely to stay in hospital for another two or three days.